How The Forest Bridge Trust Utilizes GIS Mapping to help with Predator Control
Pablo Fuernzalida, The Forest Bridge Trust’s GIS Mapping expert, works closely with our ecology, predator control, and community liaison teams to provide real-time geographic data and information. GIS, or Geographic Information System can be used for a variety of tasks, from tracking and predicting kiwi movement to identifying redundant traps and scoping better locations for trap placement.
GIS mapping involves leveraging technology to generate, analyse, and interpret real-time spatial or geographical data. In simpler terms, it encompasses mapping and visualizing information based on location. GIS mapping integrates various data types, including geographic, demographic, and environmental, into a layered map, enabling users to analyse and comprehend relationships, patterns, and trends that may not be immediately apparent in raw data.
“In recent years, our organization has witnessed a transformative evolution of GIS technology, moving beyond being just a map producer to becoming a pivotal hub for integrated web maps,” says Pablo. “These maps draw data from diverse sources, such as TrapNZ for trap locations, statuses, and records, camera monitoring programs, internal Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases, and more. This integration has proven instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of our community liaison team’s daily tasks.”
Helen from our CL team wholeheartedly agrees, “Now we can create bird’s eye view maps for bigger landowners or working farms so that they can easily view all their trap locations. Pablo has added layers to our Forest Bridge map (from Tāwharanui to the Kaipara Harbour) so that we can see what pests have been caught, where they were caught, and when they were caught,” says Helen. “We are also able to add layers that show the locations or sightings (by people or trail cams) of precious species such as kiwi and bittern. We can use these layers to work out where community support and/or traps are needed and to connect with landowners in specific parts of the Forest Bridge.”
For our predator control team, GIS complements fieldwork by providing valuable insights and support. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in planning, monitoring, and reporting for ecology and management purposes.
“Looking ahead, the future appears promising,” explains Pablo, “as we explore the integration of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). The potential breakthroughs in monitoring and trapping, with automatic and real-time data processing, hold the key to further advancing our capabilities and achieving new milestones in conservation and community engagement.”